City of Farmington Public Works Department Prepares for Winter Storm

Farmington city hall. File photo

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for St. Francois County on Jan. 3. The warning will remain in effect from 10 p.m. Jan. 4 through 6 a.m. Jan. 6.

Heavy mixed precipitation is expected with total snow and sleet accumulations between two and four inches, and ice accumulations between two-tenths and one-half of an inch. Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Public Works departments, including the Street, Water, and Electric Departments are preparing for the potential winter weather at this time.

STREET DEPARTMENT

The National Weather Service has indicated hazardous travel conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Citizens who live in Farmington on city streets are asked to park their vehicles off the street, if possible, to allow for safer plowing. The City of Farmington has over one-hundred miles of streets inside city limits, so plowing can take time, and generally begins after snow accumulates one inch, with primary roads being the first to be plowed.

Even after plowing, the road may remain partially covered until temperature and sunshine melt the remaining snow or ice, so be cautious even on plowed roads as they can remain slick at times.

During icy weather, the Street Department will put down salt or chat at intersections to help improve road conditions, but drivers are encouraged to use caution if they must travel.

WATER DEPARTMENT

Homeowners should prepare for the possibility of frozen water lines. It is important to take precautionary steps to prevent lines from freezing. This includes leaving a faucet dripping when temperatures are below freezing for an extended period. You should continue to do this until temperatures warm above freezing, especially if you’ve had issues with your lines freezing in the past.

If you live in a manufactured home, make sure your skirting is in place and there are no gaps. If you are connected to city water, make sure you know how to shut the water supply to your house off in the event your pipes freeze. This will help prevent further damage to the pipes.

If you experience frozen pipes, you will need to contact a licensed plumber as soon as you can. If you experience a water line break, please notify the Development Service Department at 573-756-0608 Monday through Friday from 8:00AM to 4:30PM, and after hours at 573-431-3131.

ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT

Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the forecasted ice. When ice accumulates on distribution lines it can quickly lead to broken power poles and other pole equipment. Ice can also make falling tree branches thirty times heavier and much more likely to break power lines. Damage can begin when ice exceeds one-quarter of an inch. One-half inch of ice can cause a line to sag up to twelve inches. Both ice and melting ice can cause power outages.

Citizens can be prepared for the potential weather by following these tips:

-Keep trees trimmed to prevent limbs and branches from falling on power lines.

-Make sure your home is properly insulated to keep temperatures warm inside.

-Prepare an emergency kit with supplies including flashlights, radios, batteries, non-perishable foods, water, medicines, and blankets to use in the event of a power outage.

-Keep phones and electronics charged.

-Install and test carbon monoxide detectors.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE POWER

In the event of a power outage, Farmington City Light and Water customers should report outages to the Development Service Office at 573-756-0608 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and after hours at 573-431-3131. Customers can also monitor the latest updates on the Farmington Missouri Public Works Facebook page.

-During an outage we may experience a high call volume, so remember to share your address and details such as downed trees or limbs if leaving a voicemail.

-If you experience downed power lines, report the damage, keep your distance, and allow City Light and Water workers to make repairs.

-Turn off lights and unplug electronic or large appliances to prevent damage and overloading circuits once the power is restored.

-Close doors to unused rooms in the house.

-Be cautious when using alternative heat sources, follow manufacture safety instructions, and keep rooms properly ventilated.

-Follow all recommended precautions if using a personal generator. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, other enclosed areas, or anywhere exhaust fumes can enter enclosed spaces. Never connect a generator to your home’s circuits. Plug appliances directly into the generator.

If you lose power and have in-home medical equipment that requires electric service, you may visit the Farmington Police Department or Fire Department 24/7 or contact central dispatch at 573-431-3131 for assistance.

The City of Farmington will have crews working over the weekend if there are outages and snow or ice accumulations. Primary roads will be the first to be plowed and treated. Areas that serve critical facilities, such as the hospital, will be prioritized when it comes to power restoration.

For more information, please contact the Development Services Department at 573-756-0608 or visit our website at farmington-mo.gov.